There will be 1000 places in total available to Japanese nationals in 2017. This was split into two ballots, one in January and one in July, A total of 800 applicants were selected for the first ballot in January 2017. The remainder of places will be opened in the second ballot in July. If your application is successful you will be able to live, work and study in the UK for up to 2 years.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the scheme you should send one email (only) to: YMS2017-APPOINTMENT@vfshelpline.com between Monday 10 July 2017, 12:00 pm (Japan time) to Wednesday 12 July 2017, 12:00 pm (Japan time). The email header or subject line must contain your name, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and passport number as shown in your passport. For example: YAMADA Taro - 31/01/1990 - TH123456789.

In the main text of your email you should include the following:

Name;

Date of birth;

Passport Number;

Country to submit the application (ex: Japan ); and

Home and mobile phone number.

The email account will be open for 48 hours only and all emails received within this timeframe will be sent an automated reply confirming receipt.

When the email account has closed, the remaining amount of applicants will be chosen at random. A second email will be sent to you on Wednesday 19 July if you have been chosen to apply. This email will confirm acceptance and further instructions on how to make an appointment, along with documentary evidence required to apply for your entry clearance. You will only receive a second email on this date if you have been successfully chosen for application.

Please note that if successful you must prepare your on-line application and on-line credit card payment no later than 30 September 2017 Failure to submit your payment on-line by this date will automatically remove your name from the list and your allocation will be retracted. After you have paid on-line you have 90 days to submit your paperwork for consideration.

If you are a Japanese national living overseas you can also apply following the instructions above, and if you are chosen to apply you will be able to do so in your country of residence. Applications cannot be submitted for the Youth Mobility Scheme 2017 in the UK. If you are chosen, UK Visas and Immigration will notify the application centre in your country of residence (excluding the UK) that you have been successfully chosen and that you can apply.

An email will be sent to unsuccessful customers on Friday 21 July to inform them they have not been chosen and that no further action is required. .

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